University Police now have access to San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) information in a combined effort to increase awareness and safety on campus. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus and “various law enforcement entities” within the San Antonio area are working with campuses to begin the installation of new technology enabling University Police to have better citywide communication, and immediate access to data, along with a 911 tracking system.
    
With 30 years of law enforcement behind him, OLLU Police Chief A.J. Sandoval stated that he could never imagine this kind of instant technology being so easy accessible.  
           
“We can receive crime bulletins as they (the crimes) happen,” he said. “Let’s say there is an incident at 24th and Commerce, a robbery of some sort, we will be aware of that and be more prepared.”   
SAPD radios will provide direct voice communication between the university police and city police dispatchers. Mobile Transmitting Devices (MDTs) will allow access to sensitive data such as criminal records, vehicle information and wanted persons’ lists.

In addition, the 911 emergency call-tracking system installed within police telephones and computer systems will let the university police track 911 calls throughout the city, particularly close to the university, and will provide follow-up services in case a person hangs up.

This increase in technology will help the communication with not only SAPD, but among various campuses in the area.

“In the San Antonio area, the chiefs of police from each of the colleges and universities meet every other month, and what we do is share intelligence and crime information,” Sandoval said.

Library, Information and Technology Services (LITS) donated laptops necessary for this technology. However, University police paid for the additional hardware for the installation.